Using larger zoom lenses underwater

[Will&BilltheKrill]

Just wondering if any fellow Olympus/OM System shooters have tried using the larger sized zoom lenses underwater like the 8-25mm pro?

My understanding is that they way the lenses telescope when you zoom in and out can create issues behind a dome port. For example, to use the 8-25mm the dome has to be far enough out to work on the 25mm side, so will likely vignette on the 8mm side, and with the 9 inch minimum focus distance could end up focusing on the inside of the dome.

AOI does however have port combos and zoom gears etc for the larger pro lenses including the 8-25mm, 7-14mm and 12-100mm so I’d love to hear if anyone has tried any of those with good results or would recommend them?

 

[Audsred]

If you look at the Question - Need decent mid-range coverage; thoughts?

This topic is discussing your question.

 

[Will&BilltheKrill]

If you look at the Question - Need decent mid-range coverage; thoughts?

This topic is discussing your question.

Thanks Audsred, I have read through the discussions in that thread and they focus on the 9-18mm, 12-40 pro, 12-50mm, 8mm fisheye and so on. These are all smaller in physical size than the lenses I am curious about, despite sharing similar focal ranges.

Only the 7-14mm is mentioned but the experience of actually using it underwater isn’t discussed in any detail in terms of advantages and disadvantages, results produced etc.

Would still love to hear more about experiences with the physically bigger lenses from anyone here whose tried them.

 

[Furnari]

I have the 8-25, and it's a great lens for topside use. I've tried it underwater in the AOI 8" dome, and it's just ok as far as image quality goes. No vignetting that I can recall, and the zoom range is admittedly pretty useful.

 

[jezscuba]

have you considered the 12-40mm pro? It's not as wide, but i found it easier to use underwater and got decent results. just a thought!